Nowhere to Turn

"Juana" was just 16. Arriving in Lima without accommodation or a job, she was alone and desperate. An older man offered her a home and security, which she accepted. Soon, she was expecting their first child, and then their second. It wasn't long before her partner became abusive. Life was intolerable. Four years later, confused and desperate for peace, she considered taking her life and the lives of her children as well.

Then she visited a church in one of the shanty towns on the outskirts of Lima where SIM works. Patricia, one of the Peruvian counselors from the Lima Counseling Centre, was giving a talk to young mothers. Afterwards, the two women met. Patricia was able to listen and to guide Juana to a good solution for both herself and her children.

Lima Counseling Centre a Reality

Several months ago SIM Australia asked for prayer and funds to enable two Peruvian Christian counsellors to reach out to people like Juana with the love of Christ. Through the generous support of many donors, the Lima Counselling Centre is now operating and caring for many in need of help and hope.

Working in a small, rented office, Ana and Patricia have already assisted many people. They are running training courses in areas such as parenting, marriage, and life skills.

Get Involved

About $1,400 USD is still needed to complete the set-up stage and supply adequate funds for the first year.
Find out how you can help

God is at work in the desperate poverty of Lima's shanty towns:

• Watch a video about Bill and Jean Williamson's work in the Reaching Lima's Families project
• Find out how you could serve short-term in one of the shanty-town outreach projects